Stem cell go-ahead puts Obama at odds with pope
Reuters / Philip Pullella
11-Mar-2009 (5 comments)

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's
lifting of restrictions on federal funding for human embryonic stem
cell research puts him at odds with Pope Benedict and the American
Roman Catholic Church.

After Obama signed the order on Monday, the Vatican and U.S. Church
leaders condemned the move. One commentator said the test of "a real
democracy" was its defense of the most defenseless.

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anonymous fish

you're right

by anonymous fish on Thu Mar 12, 2009 08:57 AM PDT

and as long as they enforce it, it's cool by me.  but it's the whole idea in general that i wonder about sometimes.  not the curing of diseases and cultivating new limbs thing... but the notion that we're slowly moving towards automation.  our health care system just isn't equipped for extended life spans.  where are we going to put all these people living into their 100's?  i don't know.. it's too early in the morning to get all het up about this...lol.

have a great day!


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capt_ayhab

Fishie

by capt_ayhab on Thu Mar 12, 2009 03:49 AM PDT

I think there a clause in the bill that is meant to stop cultivating embryos. As I read it, only the embryos that as destined to be discarded will be used. and hope scientists exercise self discipline in the matter. Only time will show.

 

-YT


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anonymous fish

like i said,

by anonymous fish on Wed Mar 11, 2009 04:12 PM PDT

it's a fine line.  the idea of cultivating embryos for research is repugnant but the possibilities of success are staggering.  but then it gets to something BN blogged about a week or so ago.  i'm not sure i WANT to live until i'm 120...lol.  you've got to wonder sometimes if that is what god intended (god being an all purpose name...:-)


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capt_ayhab

Fishie

by capt_ayhab on Wed Mar 11, 2009 04:06 PM PDT

I was wondering about what you thought of the issue, since I remember you being catholic. Thanks for explaining your stance.

I can get it about the religions and their persistence on this particular issue. I guess since all three main religions have the same roots, that might be the reason.

 

-YT


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anonymous fish

assuming this is the same article

by anonymous fish on Wed Mar 11, 2009 01:23 PM PDT

(because i couldn't open the link from above), the following statement is hopeful that a compromise can be reached:

Reese's suggestions include not creating embryos for the sole purpose of research but instead using only excess embryos produced at fertility clinics that are scheduled to be destroyed anyway.

He also said researchers should show that the research they are doing cannot be done with non-embryonic stem cells, and that research using embryonic stem cells should aim at advancing toward the goal of using only non-embryonic stem cells.

although, i would probably say that it really won't matter.  separation between church and state... fine line for sure!  but the church should no more dictate policy set by the president than anyone or anything else.

there is a huge and VERY viable concern that embryonic research will bring out the worst of the worst.  it wasn't all that long ago that "researchers" went from robbing graves for cadavers to killing people for cadavers.  every progressive research comes with some risk.  i just hope that the good outweighs the bad.

i'd also like to take this opportunity to remind people that just because the church sets forth rules and regulations, doesn't mean that all catholics believe or follow.  whether it be birth control or stem cell research, MOST catholics are more liberal and progressive.  just because i'm a democrat doesn't mean i follow or believe every single edict they promote. 

peace out.


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